Dean Hammond could be about to hand Albion some much-needed welcome news.

The Seagulls captain has a good chance of making a quick return to action when Carlisle United visit Withdean on Saturday.

Nine-goal Hammond lost his ever-present record for the season when he missed the Boxing Day defeat by Yeovil due to illness.

Manager Dean Wilkins admits it is too early to say whether his skipper will face the Cumbrians.

But he believes the signs are promising and hopes for further encouragement at training today. Wilkins said: "Dean had a viral thing. Hopefully he will be okay.

"We don't envisage him being out for Saturday The question mark is over how much the illness will have taken out of him.

"That's something we will have to look at but I'm sure he will be training today."

Albion will also check on Adam Hinshelwood, who left the Yeovil game early after reporting discomfort in his knee.